Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués, Acapulco

Concierge.com's insider take:

Perched on rocky hillsides above a secluded bay, this resort's 45 villas look like origami tree houses blending with boulders and vines. Even the smallest villa ("small" being relative, at 2,200 square feet) is decked out with a chin-deep tub behind glass and a soothing horizon pool in the outdoor sala. The cliff-side location means all views are outstanding, whether from each bedroom's fainting sofa or the poolside lounge chairs draped in soft terry towels. Those views extend to the restaurants as well. Ruby teardrop lanterns glow in shade trees above the terrace at La Nao, the casual outdoor dining spot, and similar sapphire fireflies lead the way to Saffron's cozy decks, booked solid by local gourmands craving authentic Thai. Though there's plenty of room for sunning and swimming at the meandering main pool, privacy seekers prefer the miniature lap pool tucked above a pocket beach at the base of the hilly property. The location also means lots of steep walks. Not to worry—cart drivers whisk guests up and down winding pathways from the lobby, villas, and spa.—Maribeth Mellin

From the editors of Condé Nast Traveler:

Banyan Tree's fastidious service and Asian design aesthetic characterize the brand's second Mexico outpost, removed from Acapulco's hustle, in the private gated community of Punta Diamante. The breathtaking Pacific Ocean panorama from the open-air lobby greets guestsand teases them a bit since the resort doesn't have access to area beaches. It compensates with infinity pools at every villa, a level of indulgence rare to all but a few luxury hotels. Because the 47 villas dot a rocky hillside, guests are shuttled about in golf carts. Well-heeled Mexico City residents arrive on weekends, drawn by the dinner-only Thai restaurant Saffron, the Asian-inspired spa, and the sunset margaritas at the bar. The mix of Asian and Latin influences comes to life in the main restaurant, La Nao, named for the sixteenth-century trading vessel that linked Acapulco and the Americas with the Orient. La Nao also delivers a superb breakfast buffetsay, made-to-order zucchini flower quesadillas. 2011 Hot List

Which room to book: For the most privacy, book Villa 607, which has an expansive Pacific view; farther down the cliff, Villa 208 is as secluded but has both an ocean and a bay view for watching passing private yachts.